7.
The academy of prodigies, Premus Academy.
Already a renowned institution for nurturing countless talents, every year it welcomes new gems.
It’s inevitable that the world’s gaze turns to these newly revealed jewels. The commencement ceremony of Premus, which also doubles as an opening ceremony, naturally draws high-ranking officials from the royal empire who come to observe the fresh faces.
However, this year was an exception.
Not a single one of the VIPs seated in the guest section paid attention to the students.
“Hmm… wasn’t Professor Jennifer in charge of mana schematics?”
“The news is late, White Lion. Jennifer retired due to old age.”
“Tch, even you Silver Fox seem unaware of the existence of the new professor.”
“…Can’t deny that.”
Beneath the noble bloodlines of divine beasts, the heads of the six great families who steer the empire were present. These were the powerhouses entrusted with overseeing the defense, economy, and culture of the nation.
Yet, each of them had their eyes fixed not on the freshmen but on the new professor, Leter Yurt. After all, her youthful appearance itself was an anomaly.
“Hmm, why has the ancient dragon suddenly stirred?”
“We all realized long ago that predicting the thoughts of that person is meaningless.”
“Even after observing her closely, she still seems just human… What exactly about her…”
Her appearance was undeniably childlike—far from what one would expect of an adult. Though the aura of elegance radiating from her exquisite features carried some weight, at first glance, she seemed better suited among the students rather than the professors.
Still, none of the family heads dared to protest. The reason? The golden emblem of the ancient dragon Orpheon embroidered on her pristine white robe declared her status as someone under its protection.
Though they refrained from outright judgment, the keen instincts and insights of the family heads pierced through Leter Yurt like a sharp blade.
Simply put, some intangible force blocked their gaze at its very source. Unable to uncover anything substantial about the new professor, they eventually headed to the dean’s office.
There was a pretext, of course. The heirs of each house were also studying under the name of Premus.
As “parents” of the academy’s students, raising questions about an unverified new professor was only natural.
“Ainelle.”
“Yes?”
“I’m sure you recommended someone fully qualified.”
The elder known as the “White Lion” spoke while casting a heavy gaze toward the dean.
The other family heads were watching Ainelle Delanove just as intently.
Amidst the pressure emanating from all sides, Ainelle calmly responded. As the head of Premus, she judged Leter Yurt’s qualifications sufficient and accepted her as part of the faculty.
“If you suspect I bowed to the dragon’s coercion, let me assure you—it’s a misconception.”
“…Bold as ever, I see.”
“Our intention isn’t to turn the educational institution into a battleground for interests. That remains unchanged.”
Truthfully, Ainelle’s decision to hire Leter involved considerations from the six great houses. If any one of them recommended someone to become a professor, it would inevitably create a power imbalance within Premus.
At least during Ainelle’s tenure as dean, she aimed for absolute neutrality and sought to prevent external pressures from influencing the academy.
However, she couldn’t refuse the “Blue Serpent”‘s request for a brief introduction to the new professor. Wrapping Leter up too tightly without showing her face would likely backfire.
In any case, the people sitting before the dean now were key figures guiding the empire. Engaging them antagonistically wouldn’t serve any purpose.
‘…Perhaps this works out.’
Recalling all the bewilderment Leter Yurt once caused, Ainelle summoned the new professor to the dean’s office. Now that things had unfolded this way, she intended to let the family heads witness whatever monstrous qualities lay hidden beneath Leter’s refined exterior.
Soon after…
-Knock knock.
“It’s Leter Yurt.”
After a few knocks, the figure clad in robes bearing the ancient dragon emblem appeared. Almost immediately, Leter noticed the intense gazes of the family heads focused on her and thought to herself:
“Why are such distinguished guests surrounded by such unworthy individuals?”
*
– Please come to the dean’s office momentarily.
“…Here comes trouble.”
When the dean contacted her earlier, Leter didn’t think much of it. She assumed Princess Irina had found out about her reckless driving or that she’d be asked to write an explanation for startling the divine beast’s bloodline.
“Leter? Where to?”
“…To write a reflection letter.”
“Reflection letter? Why??”
Responding to Isabel’s wide-eyed curiosity, Leter said she’d explain upon returning and urged her to mingle with the other freshmen for now.
Eventually, after walking and walking, she arrived at the dean’s office. While concocting various excuses for turning a train into a flying ship, she knocked twice and stepped inside.
However, instead of a statement of clarification, she faced uncomfortable stares.
Of course, technically speaking, they were meeting for the first time…
“Ah, greetings.”
“You’re quite pretty?”
“Hmm…”
“…Are you Leter Yurt?”
Naturally, hearing their voices alone made her expression turn cold. She’d never been on good terms with these people.
‘Granted, I’m not exactly in a position to feel righteous…’
From start to finish—or more accurately, from one to six—they were all people who had clashed with her repeatedly because of her students.
Just that, if it weren’t for her absence, these individuals might have played a significant role in framing her students as villains.
Trying to maintain friendly relations with them was ultimately futile.
‘…I can roughly guess.’
All the family heads stared intently at her, while the dean wore a stern expression.
Predictably, they were questioning the hiring of such a young professor. They were likely protesting the placement of an unknown child in the prestigious position of Premus professor.
‘Really, it’s all Orpheon’s fault. Why torment innocent people…’
While thinking this, Leter took a step toward the dean. A sly grin interrupted her path.
“I am Aisa Serpens, head of the Serpens family.”
With a light smile, the Blue Serpent extended a hand for a handshake. However, she remained standing still because…
‘Don’t underestimate me. You bear my name on your back right now.’
She saw through the Blue Serpent’s intentions clearly—some kind of ranking establishment.
The density of mana in the outstretched hand increased sharply, as if intending to crush hers completely. Although in front of the dean, he wouldn’t dare cause real harm, but he’d surely grip her hand painfully and enjoy her reaction.
Using mana to enhance her strength against him felt awkward since he was a family head. Breaking a family head’s fingers would yield nothing but fleeting satisfaction.
Thus, after a brief moment of deliberation, she instantly teleported—well, technically used ethereal form magic, but it would appear as teleportation to the family heads—to stand in front of the dean.
“I’ve arrived, Dean.”
Ultimately, she stood behind the family heads instead of facing them directly, asking the dean why she was called. After all, she came here to meet the dean, not the family heads.
Before learning the dean’s purpose, the family heads were merely outsiders to her.
In other words, there was no need to concern herself with them.
Clarifying this point would ensure that Orpheon’s advice about not appearing disrespectful would hold true. She knew she might come off as bold to these elders, but if they disliked it, they could take it up with Orpheon.
“…Some people wanted to meet the new professor. I invited you for a brief introduction.”
“Oh, I see.”
Only after hearing the dean’s clear explanation did she slightly turn around. Gently lifting the ends of her skirt, she performed a small bow.
“Hello. I am Leter Yurt, newly appointed to Premus.”
Smiling lightly, she greeted the diverse expressions and reactions before her. Some looked baffled, others amused, and some remained silent—a delightful sight indeed.
“You may not know, but Professor Leter single-handedly resolved the recent attack incident.”
Perhaps expressing gratitude for saving their heirs would be appropriate?
Ainelle added this helpful commentary with a slight smile, proving she wasn’t chosen as dean without reason.
